Film & Video – Frequently Asked Questions

2015 NHSI Production student, Lauryn Henry, at The All American Film Festival. Lauryn’s film, Sophia, was 1 of 25 jury selections for the Festival’s “Best of Fest.” As well, Sophia was nominated for “Best Experimental Film” and the “Maverick” award.

ADMISSION

Admission to the Film & Video Division is competitive. Decisions are made by the Admissions Committee and are based on ability, merit, and interest.

AGE

Students applying for the Film & Video Division should currently be in the 10th grade/sophomore year or 11th grade/junior year. Attendance to the Film & Video Division occurs over the summer between students’ sophomore & junior year or junior & senior year of high school.

You will receive further information regarding the supplemental materials (resume, essay responses, letter of recommendation, transcript, and test scores) via email once you submit the initial application and application fee.

ARRIVAL

Students should schedule their travel plans to arrive on campus before 4 pm on the program’s start date. This will give you sufficient time to reach campus and get settled in before dinner and the Film & Video Division orientation. The administrative office must be notified if you must arrive later than 4 pm.

Students are responsible for arranging all travel to and from the Institute. The NHSI does NOT provide shuttle service. However, many cab companies offer flat rates to and from the airports.

AUDITIONS

Auditions are not required for admission to the 5-week Film & Video Division.

AUTOMOBILES/CARS

Students may not have cars on campus. All Film & Video students live in University housing; there is no commuter option. The safety of our students is of the upmost importance. Students are forbidden to drive vehicles during the program. Furthermore, no student will be allowed to ride in any motor vehicle, or via any CTA transit system, under any circumstance, unless with with written parental permission and NHSI approval, or while on an official NHSI field trip.

BICYCLES

We discourage bringing bicycles to the Institute.

COMPUTERS

Students in the Film & Video Division are strongly encouraged to bring their own personal computers but must understand that the must take full responsibility for their safety. Those that do not have a personal computer to bring with them will be able to use lab computers.

CREDIT

Neither grades nor credit are awarded for attending the National High School Institute.

CURFEW

Students must abide by the curfew hours set forth: Sunday-Thursday 10:00 pm; Friday-Saturday 11:00 pm; unless otherwise determined by the Division Director.

ENROLLMENT IN MULTIPLE DIVISIONS

Students must commit to only one NHSI Division for summer study. However, you may apply to more than one Division. If you choose to apply to multiple NHSI programs you must complete separate applications for each Division. However, you only need to submit one $35 payment for the application fee.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are included in the tuition cost of the NHSI. There will also be one, all-day field trip to explore the city of Chicago.

FINAL SCREENING

A final screening of student work will be held on the last day of the Film & Video Institute. Time and location will be announced to the students and parents/guardians during the summer via email. The screening will be free and open to the public. Friends and family are encouraged to attend.

FINANCIAL AID

If you would like to be considered for financial assistance you should notate your interest in the Financial Aid section of your initial NHSI Application. Once your application has been processed you will receive an email with further directions on how to submit and complete the FACTS Financial Aid Application.

We encourage students to look into outside funding options as well. Students should inquire with their school about Activities Funds, talk with the PTA, or local service clubs such as Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, or AAUW. Past students have also run successful crowd funding campaigns on sites such as Kickstarter and Go Fund Me.

G.P.A.

We recommend that students in the top third of their class with at least a “B” average apply. Exceptions are made. We look for evidence of high motivation, interest, and scholastic ability.

HEALTH SERVICE

A standard health form MUST be completed and returned prior to the first day of the Institute. The health form is emailed to students in the general information packet upon acceptance to the Institute.

General health issues can be address by University Health Services and is covered by tuition. Any hospitalization or emergency room visits must be covered by students’ own insurance and is not covered by the NHSI or Northwestern University. Students must bring a Health Insurance Card with them.

INFORMATION PACKET

A packet of information about attending the NHSI will be emailed to all accepted students. The information packet covers arrival and departure from the Institute, items to pack, program overview, and other pertinent information. As well, you will receive a number of forms (Health, Standard Operating Procedures, Resident Hall Card, and Photo/Likeness Approval) which you will need to fill out, sign, and return before arriving on campus.

MONEY

Tuition for the Film & Video Division covers: all programming, room & board in University housing, three meals daily in the dining hall, health services (not insurance), field trips, and group events. Students may choose to bring additional spending money for the occasional meal off campus, souvenirs, etc.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Students must assume all responsibility for personal property. For the safety of students and faculty, residence halls are locked at all hours. Students are strongly advised to lock their rooms at all times.

RESIDENTIAL LIFE

All students must live on campus. Most students will have a roommate. Roommate requests will not be accepted except in the case of requests regarding medical conditions. Students who identity as males and females will be separated by floors or by common areas. All residences are air-conditioned. All meals are eaten in University dining halls.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

We will attempt to work with students and their families on a case-by-case basis to best accommodate any special needs that an applicant may have. The NHSI has a dietitian on staff for its summer programs to address any specific dietary needs that applicants may have. Please alert us early so that we can have sufficient time to help make the Film & Video program accessible to all students. Visit the AccessibleNU website for more information on campus accessibility.

SUPERVISION

Faculty-student ratio varies from 1:5 to 1:10. Faculty and staff live in the residence halls as Resident Hall Directors and Resident Hall Assistants. Our Faculty consists of professional artists and experienced educators. Faculty Associates are current college students, from Northwestern and other Universities across the nation. Many Cherubs alumni have returned as Faculty Associates and Faculty.

TEST SCORES

Standardized test scores are encouraged but not required to complete an application. If you have taken any standardized tests (PSAT, SAT, PLAN, or ACT) you should submit a copy of your scores to be added to your application. If test scores are unavailable, please email the NHSI office stating you do not have any test scores available at this time.

Please mail or email copies of your scores directly to NHSI as CollegeBoard does not have an NHSI option for sending results. Sending results via CollegeBoard to the Northwestern University option will deliver your scores to Undergraduate Admissions NOT the National High School Institute.

TRANSCRIPT

A copy of your most current high school transcript is required to complete an application. Official transcripts sent from your school are preferred, however, copies received via email or fax will be accepted.

TUITION DEPOSIT

A non-refundable, $1,000 deposit is required within 10 business days of acceptance to hold your place at the Institute. Remaining tuition balance is due by the first day of the program.